The new football rules came into effect this weekend in Brazil’s Série A and produced promising results. The main one was an increase in average ball-in-play time after the first nine matches of the 23rd round. The round will be completed this Monday with the match between Internacional and Remo.
Up to the break for the World Cup, the average in matches was 52 minutes and 54 seconds. After the nine games on Saturday and Sunday, the time rose to 55 minutes and 29 seconds. This average surpasses ball-in-play time in major European leagues such as the Premier League (55:23), LaLiga (55:08), and Serie A (54:28).
“This first weekend with the implementation of the new rules brings a very positive assessment. It is still too early to speak of a consolidation of the results, but it was already possible to notice important progress in several matches. The increase in ball-in-play time contributes directly to a more fluid, more dynamic game and, above all, to delivering an ever better product to the fans,” said Netto Góes, CBF’s Director of Refereeing.
Netto Góes, CBF’s Director of Refereeing, believes the approved changes can recover ball-in-play minutes in Brazilian footballCredits: Luciana Vermell / CBF
In addition to the rules aimed at increasing the flow of the game, there was also a case involving the application of the so-called “Vini Jr protocol” in Vitória vs. Botafogo.
“We are talking about a significant change, which requires adaptation from everyone involved. We gave our referees important preparation, but we also relied on the understanding and cooperation of the clubs, players, and coaching staffs. This first weekend shows that, when refereeing and football work in an integrated way, we can move forward in building a more dynamic game, with more ball-in-play time and a better experience for those following the Brazilian Championship. We improved, but we will seek even greater progress, especially with a more proactive attitude from referees to speed up restarts and with added time that is more consistent with the time lost while the ball is out of play,” said Sandro Meira Ricci, president of the CBF Refereeing Commission.
The new refereeing rules come into effect in Série B this week, starting with Tuesday’s (18) match between Londrina and Atlético-GO.
In addition to Brasileirão Série A and Série B, the Copa do Brasil (Men’s and Women’s) and Women’s A1 will also adopt the new rules.
LEARN ABOUT THE NEW RULES:
1. FIVE SECONDS FOR THROW-INS
The count starts as soon as the player has the ball in hand.
2. FIVE SECONDS TO TAKE A GOAL KICK
The referee blows the whistle and counts five seconds. If the goalkeeper exceeds the time, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team.
3. TEN SECONDS TO LEAVE THE FIELD DURING SUBSTITUTIONS
The substituted player must leave by the nearest point quickly, without walking slowly.
4. ONE MINUTE OFF THE FIELD AFTER TREATMENT
A player who receives treatment on the pitch will have to leave and remain off for one minute.
5. AFTER THE GOALKEEPER RECEIVES TREATMENT, AN OUTFIELD PLAYER MUST STAY OFF FOR ONE MINUTE
The coach indicates who will serve the minute off the field.
6. ONLY THE CAPTAIN SPEAKS TO THE REFEREE
Only one spokesperson per team throughout the entire match.
7. COVERING THE MOUTH DURING AN ARGUMENT: RED CARD (VINI JR PROTOCOL)
Intentionally covering the mouth while arguing with an opponent will be considered conduct punishable by dismissal.
8. VAR REVIEW FOR A SECOND YELLOW CARD
A card resulting in a sending-off will now be reviewable by VAR.
9. VAR REVIEW FOR A CORNER KICK AWARDED BY MISTAKE (APPROVED FOR 2027)
The corner-kick decision may be overturned by VAR if it can be changed immediately and without delaying the restart.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.